Hernandez is also looking more like the player West Ham shelled out £18million for in the summer, and the Mexican nodded in his third goal in five games from Michail Antonio's cross. Former Manchester United defender, Patrice Evra, was given a place on the bench, this after linking up with the club on a short-term deal following his release from French side, Marseille.

Add to that the sacking of Tony Henry - director of player recruitment - following claims he told agents West Ham do not want to sign any more African players, and Sullivan is determined to make changes to the club's set-up.

It's a win that puts West Ham at 30 points and solidly midtable for at least the middle of March. Meanwhile, Watford - who had begun to look a little subdued - came close to a leveller when a fizzing Jose Holebas dead-ball effort was expertly pushed away by Adrian. "We believe more in our work, and it is better for us but we know if we don't work and don't run we will not win".

Hernandez and Mark Noble passed up reasonable opportunities to settle the agitated home crowd. Holebas' clearance deflected off Creswell, presenting Arnautovic with the simplest of chances from little over two yards. The Mexican striker found the back of the net again with a well-placed header for West Ham on Saturday.

West Ham remain in 12th position after yesterday's victory, but they are now just six points adrift of seventh placed Burnley.